Spring Flowering Snowdrop bulbs

Galanthus Nivalis, commonly known as “snowdrop” or “common snowdrop” is the best known of the Galanthus genus. Snowdrops are part of the Amaryllidaceae family and are one of earliest flowers to bloom in spring. It is very common for snowdrops to flower when snow is still very much on the ground. Snowdrops are native to most of Europe and are widely naturalized in particular in woodlands.

For many people the snowdrop herald the end of winter. They flower even before the Crocus and the Dwarf Daffodils. Galanthus Nivalis bulbs seem to thrive in miserable weather, the colder and gloomier it is the longer they bloom! To enjoy these lovely flowers the longest, try to find a spot in (partial) shade. In the European temperate zone, snowdrops flower between January and April. The fragrant single white, nodding flower has six tepals (segments), 3 outer and 3 inner ones. The smaller inner tepals have lovely green markings, which give the snowdrop its distinctive look. The snowdrop usually reaches a height of 10-15cm with its foliage consisting of green, silver/grey strap-shaped leaves in winter and spring.

Bulbs & beyond offers the snowdrop bulb as bulb and not “in the green”. The bulbs may need a season to “settle in” for its flowers to reach their full size (they are perfect for naturalising).

Planting Snowdrop bulbs

Galanthus Nivalis bulbs should be planted at a depth of 10cm and 5cm apart between September and November, in moist but well-drained soil that does not dry out in summer. Snowdrop bulbs are small but hardy perennials that flower between January and April. Snowdrop flowers tend to last longer in (partial) shady areas.